Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 428: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the actions she is taking to ensure effective implementation of all recommendations of the Hayes report in respect of Tallaght hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1293/11]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The Hayes Report makes detailed constructive recommendations about the operation of specific services in the hospital and all of these will be implemented.

Following its publication, I met with Dr. Hayes to discuss the implications of his report. I have also had discussions with the Chair of Tallaght Hospital and the CEO of the HSE about the report. Their main focus is on what initiatives are needed both in the hospital and in the wider health system to provide sustained improvements in the services for patients.

An additional 2 locum consultant radiologists were appointed to the hospital in January 2010 to assist in dealing with the backlog of X-rays. The backlog has been cleared. On 7 September 2010 the HSE issued formal approval to Tallaght Hospital to appoint two new consultant radiologists. This is in line with the recommendations of the Hayes Report. The interviews took place in late 2010 with an expected start date for the successful candidates as soon as possible in 2011.

The Hayes Report recommended that consultant radiologist staffing levels should be reviewed to ensure they are appropriate to the work load in each radiology department. The HSE is committed to carrying out a review of consultant radiologist staffing levels in hospitals and to strengthening workforce planning across all radiology departments. The review will be informed by the results of a survey of consultant radiologist staffing which is currently being undertaken by the Faculty of Radiology. This report is awaited.

Since 2005 there has been a 34% national increase in the numbers of consultant radiologists, from 183 to 245. Ireland now has a ratio of 1 consultant radiologist per 17,959 population, which is similar to the UK at 1 per 18,040 per population.

The HSE is fully committed to implementing the recommendations of the Hayes report in the shortest possible timeframe. I am confident that adopting this approach will help ensure the provision of a timely and quality radiology service in Tallaght Hospital.